If you love penguins (who doesn’t ?) get close and personal to your well-dressed friends. Antarctica – The “White Continent,” ice so white it’s blue, glaciers look like sideways apartment buildings, a journey where you are awestruck by its beauty. Yes, it’s expensive, weather dictates port stops, and takes over 12 hours to get there! But whether single or married this trip is a once in a lifetime experience. You won’t even miss shopping (we know that’s hard to believe.)
The only way to get to Antarctica is by ship. Some itineraries include an overnight in either Buenos Aires (read our BA post Dec 27th) or in Santiago, Chile. A modern yet quirky city, Santiago has spectacular scenery (encircled by the snow capped Andes) & bohemian charm. Ushuaia, the capital of Tierra del Fuego known as the “Land of Fire” is the major jumping off point for Antarctica cruises.
WHAT SHIP2PICK
Picking your ship – Adventurous & brave? Opt for a smaller ship (100 people) like Lindblad, National Geographic Explorer or Clelia II. Heavy on lectures & zodiac launches, you will set foot on Antarctica. But beware… seas are notoriously rough. Smaller ship = bigger waves! Roller coaster experience helpful! If your image is more romance, dressing for dinner & eating caviar, opt for a mid size ship like Silver Seas or Seaborne Quest, or larger Crystal, Regent or Celebrity Infinity. You will be sipping champagne & playing roulette as the glaciers go by! On a budget? Choose Quark Expedition.
Note: all ships are fully stabilized & come equipped with state of the art navigation systems & technology. Come prepared with seasickness pills, ginger, neck patches & wrist bands. Green is a lovely color but not on your face!
Does being married or single influence Where2Stay? Do you want your hotel hip & modern or do you prefer a quiet and romantic hotel? Sometimes you might want to “marry” the two. You will see an M (married), S (single), or an MS, (married/single) next to each hotel. Call American Express travel to reserve
WHERE2STAY Ushuaia-
Hotel Lenox – this first boutique hotel to open offers a wood & stone lobby, jacuzzi’s in the room and breathtaking views. (MS)
Where2Stay Santiago, Chile
Grand Hyatt Santiago – Located in the business part of town offering large guest rooms, lagoon like pool and a three story spa. (MS)
Ritz Carlton – With South America being a great “economical” destination, this Ritz is inexpensive by American standards. City views, dine at Arola serving up tapas & DJ’s playing on the terrace. Swim the indoor pool encased with glass to view the city and mountains. (MS)
The Aubrey – Located in the gourmet neighborhood of Bella Vista this intimate hotel was once owned by a major political family. Perfect hideaway (15 rooms w/private terraces) surrounded by gardens; you may not want to leave your poolside chair. (M)
W Santiago – Signature W beds & a Munchies Box already separates the hip W Hotel from any other. Visit the rooftop Red2One Bar, enclosed in floor to ceiling glass windows and dance away at Whiskey Blue, Rande Gerber’s first South American venture. (S)
What2See
Where to begin… Imagine hundreds of thousands of penguins, many so close you can touch them (but don’t), six species of seals, nine of whales, birds… it’s a safari of marine life. Take any excursion the ship offers to Punta Arenas, Puerto Madryn & Puerto Montt. Beauty and remoteness.
Ready to “Face it”
Crisp, clear, cold but so hot… Aspen is the place to live out your fantasies. Mingle with celebs, enjoy 360 degrees of awe mountain views, ski all day, dine in world class restaurants or dance the night away. If you don’t ski, snuggle up by the fire, red wine in hand and enjoy a winter wonderland.
Does being married or single influence fashion selection? Can you relax more if married & not chasing your next date, or do you love looking sexy for your husband? Sometimes you might want to “marry” the two. Look for M (married), S ( Single) or a MS (married/single) next to the fashion looks.
Where2Stay-
Hotel Jerome – THE new place: reopened, refurbished newest hot spot. Hip Victorian decor, intimate w 91 rooms, lobby a dramatic new place to socialize (S)
Little Nell & St Regis – timeless 5 star resorts, nestled amidst towering mountains, providing ultimate luxury. Mingle w/ celebs, pretend you are one! (MS)
Viceroy – In nearby Snowmass a Leed gold award hotel. Ski lift outside the door, for people who want fab rooms & quiet luxury (MS) as in all Viceroys….
The Sky Aspen, A Kimpton hotel, downtown; great bar scene, fab pool, waterfalls, pool terrace, also large business rooms if you need to combine business w/ pleasure. (S)
Hyatt Grand Aspen – A residence club ideal for families. Fully equipped Viking kitchens, fireplaces, wi-fi, living room and terraces. Outside fire pit and complimentary breakfasts. As always Hyatt does it best. (M)
Where2Dine
Dine at Steakhouse # 316, Element 47 ( at Little Nell) hot chef, wine spec award winner, Zocalito Latin Bistro, Casa Tua (best Italian) Creperie Du Village (newly opened, authentic European mountain bistro) Elk Camp in Snow Mass (take the gondola to get there) Above the Salt and The Meatball Shack
Outrageous2Drink
The Oasis, the world’s highest champagne bar located in a secret location. Guests are given clues to find it. or clues on line. At Little Nell and Sweet Tooth Paradise Bakery & Cafe, best cookies by day, music outside by night
Where2Play – The Regal Aspen, great for the single gals, Belly Up Aspen for live music, Caribou Club for members only but use your charm to get inside this swanky club. Limelight and every hotel lounge is hip and cool.
Where2Shop – B Jewel for jewels and fab clothes and one of the few that carry Jitrois, Jetset for ski jackets, Nuages clothing, Bloomingbirds for boots. Best consignment – Susies Ltd, Distractions, The Little Bird and Ambers Uptown
Kemo Sabe for the best cowboy boots
What2Do – Major Events (other than ski) Buy tickets now for – Bud Light Air Fridays in Snowmass, big snowboarding show Feb 8-March 29, the Aspen Music Festival (June 22 – Aug 18th) 7908 Songwriters Festival (March 20-24) and FASHION WEEK, the scene begins March 10-13.
Wear Girls do Aspen casual and nighttime glitz
Traveling in New Zealand is all about the outdoors. Their summer is our winter so brave the 16 hour flight! It’s worth it. You have Auckland, Wellington and Queenstown for your city fix but you should travel beyond the cities. A 3 1/2 hr drive from Auckland is Solitaire Lodge (or helicopter in.) One of the first luxury lodges in NZ, Solitaire Lodge is a special 10 room hideaway situated on Lake Tarawera, offering trout fishing, pre-breakfast soaks in thermal pools (clothing optional), gourmet meals (David, the chef will cater to every dietary need.) Try trout fishing on their private boat, kayaking or just sitting on your private terrace. Soak up the view with a glass of Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc.
Why2Stay
Everything is included in your daily rate. Not inexpensive but included is a full breakfast, light lunch, evening cocktails, canapes, & a five course gourmet dinner. Splurge for their premium suite with 2 outdoor decks, 8 floor to ceiling windows, huge living room & the sexiest all white mirrored bathroom (rubber duck not included!)
What2Do
Whakarewarewa – To experience the indigenous culture of the Maori’s, visit the Living Maori Thermal Village where 23 families still live amidst a landscape of geothermal activity. All proceeds go to the village so be sure to buy their carved jade.
Waiotapu – visit these “sacred waters” where bubbling hot pools become the colors of the rainbow due to mineral salts in the water. Vivid turquoise, bright green, yellow and even champagne pools hiss, puff and sputter as you wander down paths that bring you up close (way too close) to this amazing site.
White Island
If you cannot afford planning a trip to outer space, taking a 3 hours helicopter ride from Helipro to White Island is the next best thing. Landing on the worlds most accessible volcano feels like landing on Mars. No vegetation, surrounded by hissing, steaming and bubbling pools you don face masks, hardhats, earphones & become a temporary astronaut. Wayne from Solitaire will arrange it. Ignore your fear of flying (plus that helicopter is such a cute shade of red!)
A special thanks to Wayne & Ingrid of Soliaire Lodge for their hospitality and consideration during my stay.
From land to sea we get around!